5 Reasons Older Adults Should Consider Volunteering

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on April 12, 2018

Retired senior citizens sometimes miss having a daily schedule, and they might long for activities to pass the time. There are many communities that welcome seniors to volunteer for various part-time projects. Volunteering offers the following benefits for older adults.

1. Prevent Isolation

Statistics suggest that more than 40 percent of older adults live alone and are socially isolated. Living a great distance from family members, losing a significant other, or losing contact with friends can all lead to isolation. Becoming isolated is detrimental to health. However, by volunteering within the community, seniors have the opportunity to develop a social circle. The Corporation for National & Community Service reports that aging adults who engage in volunteer work become more satisfied with themselves and with life in general.

Regular socialization can help older adults stave off depression and isolation. For families living in Anchorage, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

2. Boost Physical Health

Volunteering offers seniors an opportunity to get some exercise. Depending on the type of activity, seniors may need to walk, bend, flex, and use various muscle groups throughout the time spent helping others. By doing volunteer work, seniors can reduce their blood pressure and alleviate the discomfort and stiffness associated with arthritis. Volunteering also provides a sense of purpose, promotes self-esteem, and enhances emotional health.

3. Inhibit Cognitive Impairment

The various physical activities performed when volunteering keep blood circulation flowing to provide much-needed oxygen and nutrients that boost cognitive function, and the mental activities that accompany volunteer work engage various regions of the brain, which keeps neurons constantly communicating and strengthens neural pathways. With the mind and body working together, the chance of developing dementia is dramatically reduced.

Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to ensure your senior loved one receives continuous mental and social stimulation to boost his or her cognitive function. In Anchorage, elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

4. Unite Young and Old

By sharing years of education, skills, and knowledge, younger generations can benefit from the experience of their elders. Older adults can share the culture, traditions, and values that were commonly accepted when they were younger. If seniors have the opportunity to work with children in schools or other facilities, they can influence present day youth. In turn, aging adults gain insight into popular culture and technology.

5. Serve a Meaningful Purpose

Seniors who volunteer commonly establish or join organizations that are of importance to them, and they choose fields of work that fulfill a personal purpose. Older adults might enjoy sharing knowledge of history by acting as a docent at a museum or their love of animals might lead them to work at a zoo or an animal rescue facility. A preference for education and children may gear an older adult to assist educators in schools or child care centers or volunteer in an area in which he or she has always had a personal interest but had little time to indulge in prior to retirement.

Some seniors need assistance with outdoor as well as indoor tasks. Aging adults who need help around the house, transportation to medical appointments and social events, and assistance with exercise can benefit from having an in-home caregiver. With the help of Home Care Assistance Anchorage, seniors can enjoy greater independence and receive regular mental and social stimulation when relying on a trusted professional who is expertly trained in various aspects of senior care. To hire a professional caregiver for your senior loved one, give us a call at (907) 770-0907 today.